Microsoft Dynamics NAV, a trusted ERP solution for many companies, is gradually approaching the end of its lifecycle. The Extended Support will end on January 11, 2028. Timely preparation is therefore strongly recommended. This means that companies still using older versions of NAV, such as NAV 2018, will no longer receive support as of that date. But what exactly does this mean, and what risks does it entail?
NAV / Navision Extended Support: What Is It?
Extended Support is the final phase of a Microsoft product's lifecycle. During this phase, Microsoft provides only critical security updates, but no new features, non-critical updates, or adjustments to meet legal and local requirements. Once this phase ends, all support—including security updates—ceases. So be sure to plan your upgrade to Business Central well in advance!
Risks of Continuing to Use Outdated Versions of NAV / Navision
- Security Risks: Without regular security updates, systems become vulnerable to new threats and attacks. This can lead to data breaches and other security incidents.
- Compliance Issues: Without updates to address legal and local requirements, it can be difficult to comply with the latest regulations, which could result in fines and legal issues. Be sure to read our blog about Dynamics NAV and Peppol or ESG.
- Operational Inefficiencies: Outdated software can lead to compatibility issues with new technologies and systems, which can reduce operational efficiency.
- Lack of Support: Without access to technical support, troubleshooting can be time-consuming and costly. Be sure to also read our blog About the loss of Navision expertise among developers and how we, as Dynamics specialists, are addressing this.
Table of Dynamics NAV Versions and Their Extended Support End Dates
| Version | Mainstream Support Start Date | Mainstream Support End Date | Extended Support End Date |
| Dynamics NAV 2013 | January 1, 2013 | January 9, 2018 | January 10, 2023 |
| Dynamics NAV 2015 | December 1, 2014 | January 14, 2020 | January 14, 2025 |
| Dynamics NAV 2016 | January 1, 2016 | April 13, 2021 | April 14, 2026 |
| Dynamics NAV 2017 | October 27, 2016 | January 11, 2022 | January 11, 2027 |
| Dynamics NAV 2018 | December 1, 2017 | January 10, 2023 | January 11, 2028 |
NAV or Navision Support and Upgrade
The end of extended support for Microsoft Dynamics NAV means that companies still running these older versions face significant risks. However, as Europe’s leading Dynamics NAV & Business Central partner, we won’t leave NAV or Navision users in the lurch—but we cannot stress enough that you need to consider an upgrade.
It’s simply crucial to consider upgrading to Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central. Not only does this offer enhanced functionality and support, but it also helps you remain compliant with the latest regulations and security standards. Our upgrade specialists have several methods for helping you transition to Business Central:
E-book: Plan Your Upgrade to Business Central
In this e-book, we compare the 3 upgrade paths and we share best practices based on more than 100 upgrades. This will give you insight into the factors that influence the cost of an upgrade and how you can keep that cost as low as possible.
